The Campania region is dominated by the city of Naples, which that claims to be the home of one of Italy's most famous culinary exports: the pizza. Neopilitan pizza is characterised by its simplicity compared to that available in other parts of Italy and indeed around the world - the base is thin and crispy, the tomatoes used are usually the sweet local San Marzano variety, and if cheese is used its likely to be the famous mozarella produced from the milk of water buffalo grazing the plains of north Campania. There are hundreds of places to get great pizza in Naples, whether for a full meal in a restaurant or a slice-to-go from one of the many street stands and kiosks - and it's all excellent quality. The volcano Vesuvius looms over Naples, and its fertile slopes provide excellent fruit and vegetables. Wine lovers will be interested in the product known as Lacryma Christi, or 'tears of Christ', which is a high quality wine made from grapes grown on the lower slopes. Scientific analysis shows that this is very close to the wine drank in ancient Rome, and now perfect refreshment after a trip up Vesuvius. Elsewhere in Campania, the Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemons, which are sweet and juicy, and for the limoncello liqueur they're used to make. Further south, the quieter Cilento area has a venerable tradition of co-operative olive oil production from the large olive trees which cover the coastal hillsides where the mountains meet the sea.
What most people want for their summer holidays is a gorgeous destination with lots of great beaches, that's why Campania won't disappoint you. This region in Italy has some of the most incredible cities of the whole country where you will get to see many cultural places as well as enjoy some of the best Italian food ever. In fact, pizza was first created in Naples, so make sure you don't leave without eating at least one and make sure you have more of the amazing pizzas that are made there. But, if what you mostly care about is the sea, you are going to love Campania like you can't even imagine. One of the most popular areas for its beaches is, without a doubt, Capri. Lots of stars travel there every year for their summer holidays and that is because it's the ideal place to enjoy the sun in good company. If you are a big fan of glamour, don't miss out on beaches such as Palazzo A Mare, Marina Grande and Gradola. Most of them are pretty hidden, but that doesn't mean they don't get full of people. However, the water is so clean and pleasant you won't mind not being alone. But if you would rather practice lots of sports, then make Ischia one of your main destinations. The beaches of the area are known for being filled with youngsters who want to make the most of their summer holidays by going to the nearby bars at night and by practicing lots of sports such as windsurf or scuba diving. The best beaches in Ischia are, without a doubt, San Francesco, Cava Grado and Maronti. None of these beaches are free, but you won't mind paying a little because that way you will get the chance to be as comfortable as possible while enjoying the sun or, if you prefer, the waves. If you are travelling with your children though, you might be looking for something a little more quiet; well, don't worry because Campania will meet every single one of your needs. For a more relaxing beach, simply go to Bacoli and look for Miliscola beach, which is surrounded by gorgeous views and where you and your children will get the chance to relax and enjoy the fine sands and the warm, turquoise waters. And if you don't like being surrounded by lots of people, Corricella is the beach for you. Located in Procida, this gorgeous beach will give you everything you need: privacy, relax and, of course, the chance to enjoy some great, traditional Italian meals in some of the best restaurants of the whole area. And, to top it all off, this beach is free, so just take a couple of towels and get ready to enjoy a great day on a gorgeous beach.
The most famous mountain in Campania is undoubtedly the active volcano Vesuvius, standing proud above the plain of Naples and responsible for the destruction of nearby Pompeii in AD79. Less well known though are the two mountainous areas of the region - the inland Matese range of the southern/central Apennines, boasting the 2,070m high Monte Miletto, and the National Park of Cilento where mountains such as the 1,900m Monte Cervati meet the Gulf of Salerno, south of the more famous and expensive Amalfi coast. Worlds away from the nearby sprawl of Naples, both Cilento and the Matese offer the visitor an experience of rural Italian mountain life unchanged by the tourist hordes found elsewhere. Expect to see picturesque villages clinging to the mountaintops in defiance of gravity, and terraced vineyards providing excellent local wines - all linked by winding roads that make for spectacular drives, and hidden paths and stairways perfect for exploring on foot. The mountains of Campania make an ideal base for exploring the famous sights of the region such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Amalfi, before returning to the quiet of the countryside for a peaceful evening away from the crowds.
With its hilly interior and spectacular mountain landscapes, Campania is one of the top destinations for countryside holidays in Italy. Many holidaymakers come here to enjoy the region's dramatic coastline, leaving the mountainous interior up for discovery. The imposing Mount Vesuvius is Campania's star attraction. This famous volcano rises 4,200 feet above sea level and makes for a challenging hike. The volcano is within Mount Vesuvius National Park, a vast natural space covered in lush vegetation. Closer to the coast, the Sorrento Peninsula offers spectacular views where the Lattari mountains meet the sea. Must-see destinations include photogenic villages like Marina di Meta, Sant'Agnello, Positano, and Cava de'Tirreni. Further inland, Calitri is a picturesque mountain village worth visiting. Visitors come here drawn by the elegant medieval architecture and by the village's natural surroundings, which are perfect for hiking, cycling, and paragliding. Campania is a paradise for outdoors enthusiasts. Recommended activities include hiking along the Amalfi Coast, exploring the canyons and caves at Cilento National Park, visiting the ancient city of Pompeii, and going on a tour around the local wineries, which can be found in and around Avellino, Taurasi, Tufo, and Benevento. Family-friendly activities include going on a boat trip to the islands of Ischia and Capri, taking cooking lessons in Sorrento or Ravello, and visiting the impressive castles of the region, like Castello Aragonese and Castel Nuovo.